Track Assembly for an Off-Road Vehicle

ABSTRACT

A track assembly for traction of an off-road vehicle, the track assembly comprising a set of wheels and an endless track disposed around the set of wheels. The endless track comprises elastomeric material to flex around the set of wheels. The endless track comprises a plurality of drive/guide lugs projecting inwardly. The set of wheels comprises a drive wheel for imparting motion to the endless track. The set of wheels may comprise a first plurality of roller wheels for rolling on a first rolling path of the inner side and a second plurality of roller wheels for rolling on a second rolling path of the inner side such that the drive/guide lugs are located between the first rolling path and the second rolling path, as well as a third plurality of roller wheels for rolling on top of the drive/guide lugs.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/713,169 filed on Oct. 12, 2012. The disclosure of the prior application is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to off-road vehicles and, more particularly, to track assemblies for off-road vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Certain off-road vehicles, including industrial vehicles such as agricultural vehicles (e.g., harvesters, combines, tractors, etc.), construction vehicles (e.g., loaders, bulldozers, excavators, etc.) and forestry vehicles (e.g., feller-bunchers, tree chippers, knuckleboom loaders, etc.), as well as military vehicles (e.g., combat engineering vehicles (CEVs), etc.), to name a few, may be equipped with elastomeric endless tracks which enhance their traction and floatation on soft, slippery and/or irregular grounds (e.g., soil, mud, sand, ice, snow, etc.) on which they operate.

Typically, a track assembly of a tracked vehicle comprises a plurality of wheels and an endless track disposed around these wheels. The wheels include a drive wheel to impart motion to the endless track and a plurality of idler wheels to support part of the vehicle's weight on the ground via the track, guide the track as it is driven by the drive wheel, and/or tension the track.

Loading on a track assembly is often supported by a limited part (e.g., about 50% to 68%) of an inner side of its elastomeric endless track. For example, some idler wheels of the track assembly are roller wheels that roll on the track's inner side along a bottom run of the track to apply it on the ground. The roller wheels are located between frontmost and rearmost ones of the wheels of the track assembly and, in certain types of work vehicles such as agricultural or construction vehicles, are sometimes referred to as “mid-rollers”. The track's inner side comprises rolling paths on which the roller wheels roll and a plurality of elastomeric guide/drive projections, referred to as “lugs”, which are located between the rolling paths and used to guide and/or drive the track. Since the rolling paths are limited to those areas between the guide/drive lugs and lateral edges of the track, loading on the roller wheels is applied only to those limited areas of the track. In some cases, this may result in high wear of the track's rolling paths or even internal damage (e.g., cables rupturing) within the track. In other cases, this may impose certain limits on a load-carrying capacity of the tracked vehicle (e.g., a total weight of the vehicle) since it may cause unacceptably high ground pressure.

For these and other reasons, there is a need for improving track assemblies of off-road vehicles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a track assembly for traction of an off-road vehicle. The track assembly comprises a set of wheels and an endless track disposed around the set of wheels. The endless track comprises elastomeric material to flex around the set of wheels. The endless track comprises an inner side facing the set of wheels and comprising a plurality of drive/guide lugs projecting inwardly. The endless track comprises a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground and comprising a plurality of traction lugs projecting outwardly. The set of wheels comprises a drive wheel for imparting motion to the endless track.

The set of wheels comprises a first plurality of roller wheels for rolling on a first rolling path of the inner side and a second plurality of roller wheels for rolling on a second rolling path of the inner side. The drive/guide lugs are located between the first rolling path and the second rolling path. The set of wheels comprises a third plurality of roller wheels for rolling on top of the drive/guide lugs.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a track assembly for traction of an off-road vehicle. The track assembly comprises a set of wheels comprising a drive wheel, a first plurality of roller wheels, and a second plurality of roller wheels. The track assembly comprises an endless track disposed around the set of wheels. The endless track comprises elastomeric material to flex around the set of wheels. The endless track comprises an inner side facing the set of wheels and comprising a plurality of drive/guide lugs projecting inwardly. The endless track comprises a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground and comprising a plurality of traction lugs projecting outwardly. The drive wheel is rotatable for imparting motion to the endless track. Each of the first plurality of roller wheels is rotatable for rolling on a first rolling path of the inner side. Each of the second plurality of roller wheels is rotatable for rolling on a second rolling path of the inner side. The drive/guide lugs are located between the first rolling path and the second rolling path. The track assembly comprises a load distributor for contacting top surfaces of the drive/guide lugs to apply loading on the drive/guide lugs.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a track assembly for traction of an off-road vehicle. The track assembly comprising a set of wheels and an endless track disposed around the set of wheels. The endless track comprises elastomeric material to flex around the set of wheels. The endless track comprises an inner side facing the set of wheels and comprising a plurality of drive/guide lugs projecting inwardly. The endless track comprises a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground and comprising a plurality of traction lugs projecting outwardly. The set of wheels comprises a drive wheel for imparting motion to the endless track and a set of roller wheels for rolling on the inner side of the endless track. A load-bearing widthwise extent of the inner side of the endless track bearing load from the set of roller wheels is at least 70% of a width of the endless track.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a track assembly for traction of an off-road vehicle. The track assembly comprising a set of wheels and an endless track disposed around the set of wheels. The endless track comprises elastomeric material to flex around the set of wheels. The endless track comprises an inner side facing the set of wheels and comprising a plurality of drive/guide lugs projecting inwardly. The endless track comprises a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground and comprising a plurality of traction lugs projecting outwardly. The set of wheels comprises a drive wheel for imparting motion to the endless track and a set of roller wheels for rolling on the inner side of the endless track. A load-bearing area of the inner side of the endless track bearing load from the set of roller wheels is at least 70% of a theoretical load-bearable area of the inner side of the endless track.

These and other aspects of the invention will now become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of embodiments of the invention is provided below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an example of a tracked vehicle comprising track assemblies in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a track assembly of the tracked vehicle;

FIGS. 3A and 3B show part of the track assembly, including a frame and roller wheels (with some roller wheels in phantom or omitted);

FIG. 4 shows a transversal view of the track assembly;

FIGS. 5 to 7A and 8 respectively show a perspective view of an inner side of an endless track of the track assembly, a plan view of a ground-engaging outer side of the endless track, a plan view of the inner side of the endless track, and a cross-sectional view of the endless track;

FIGS. 7B and 7C respectively show variants of guide/drive lugs of the endless track in accordance with other embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a suspension and a suspension control system of the tracked vehicle;

FIG. 10 shows a transversal view of a variant of the track assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 shows a transversal view of another variant of the track assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 shows a roller wheel portion of the track assembly shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows a transversal view of another variant of the track assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a variant of the track assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a relationship between roller wheels and guide/drive lugs of the endless track;

FIG. 16 shows a variant of a roller wheel in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 17 and 18 respectively show variants of a tread pattern of the ground-engaging outer side of the endless track in accordance with other embodiments of the invention.

It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments of the invention and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an example of an off-road tracked vehicle 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a heavy-duty work vehicle for performing agricultural, construction or other industrial work or military work. More particularly, in this embodiment, the vehicle 10 is an agricultural vehicle for performing agricultural work. Specifically, in this example, the agricultural vehicle 10 is a tractor. In other examples, the agricultural vehicle 10 may be a combine harvester, another type of harvester, or any other type of agricultural vehicle.

The agricultural vehicle 10 comprises a frame 12 supporting a prime mover 14, a pair of track assemblies 16 ₁, 16 ₂ (which can be referred to as “undercarriages”), and an operator cabin 20, which enable an operator to move the agricultural vehicle 10 on the ground to perform agricultural work possibly using a work implement 18.

The prime mover 14 provides motive power to move the agricultural vehicle 10. For example, the prime mover 14 may comprise an internal combustion engine and/or one or more other types of motors (e.g., electric motors, etc.) for generating motive power to move the agricultural vehicle 10. The prime mover 14 is in a driving relationship with each of the track assemblies 16 ₁, 16 ₂. That is, power derived from the prime mover 14 is transmitted to the track assemblies 16 ₁, 16 ₂ via a powertrain of the agricultural vehicle 10.

The work implement 18 is used to perform agricultural work. For example, in some embodiments, the work implement 18 may be a combine head, a cutter, a scraper, a tiller, or any other type of agricultural work implement.

The operator cabin 20 is where the operator sits and controls the agricultural vehicle 10. More particularly, the operator cabin 20 comprises a user interface 46 including a set of controls that allow the operator to steer the agricultural vehicle 10 on the ground, operate the work implement 18, and control other aspects of the vehicle 10.

The track assemblies 16 ₁, 16 ₂ engage the ground to propel the agricultural vehicle 10. The track assembly 16 ₁ is disposed on a right side of the vehicle 10, while the track assembly 16 ₂ (not shown) is disposed on a left slide of the vehicle 10. With additional reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, in this embodiment, each track assembly 16 _(i) comprises a frame 21, a set of wheels which includes a drive wheel 24 and a plurality of idler wheels that includes a front (leading) idler wheel 26 and a plurality of roller wheels 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄, and an elastomeric endless track 22 disposed around these wheels. The track assembly 16 _(i) has a first longitudinal end 57 and a second longitudinal end 59 that define a length of the track assembly 16 _(i). A width of the track assembly 16 _(i) is defined by a width of the endless track 22. The track assembly 16 _(i) has a longitudinal direction, a widthwise direction, and a height direction.

As further discussed later, in this embodiment, the track assembly 16 _(i) is configured to effect a better load distribution on its endless track 22 by distributing loading over a greater area of the track 22. In some cases, this may help to reduce wear of and/or avoid internal damage within the endless track 22. This may also allow a greater load-carrying capacity for the vehicle 10 (e.g., a higher total weight of the vehicle 10) while maintaining an acceptable level of ground pressure. In this embodiment, the track assembly 16 _(i) comprises a load distributor 11, which comprises the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄, to provide enhanced load distribution.

The elastomeric endless track 22 engages the ground to provide traction to the agricultural vehicle 10. With additional reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, the track 22 has an inner side 45 facing the wheels 24, 26, 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ and defining an inner area of the track 22 in which these wheels are located. The track 22 also has a ground-engaging outer side 47 opposite the inner side 45 and engaging the ground on which the agricultural vehicle 10 travels. The track 22 has a top run 65 which extends between the longitudinal ends 57, 59 of the track assembly 16; and over the wheels 24, 26, 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ and a bottom run 66 which extends between the longitudinal ends 57, 59 of the track assembly 16; and under the wheels 24, 26, 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄. The track 22 has a longitudinal direction, a widthwise direction, and a thickness direction.

The elastomeric endless track 22 is elastomeric in that it comprises elastomeric material allowing it to flex, i.e., elastically change in shape, as it is in motion around the wheels 24, 26, 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄. More particularly, the track 22 comprises an elastomeric belt-shaped body 36 underlying its inner side 45 and its ground-engaging outer side 47. In view of its underlying nature, the body 36 can be referred to as a “carcass”. The carcass 36 is elastomeric in that it comprises elastomeric material 38 which allows the track 22 to elastically change in shape as it is in motion around the wheels 24, 26, 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄. The elastomeric material 38 can include any polymeric material with suitable elasticity. In this embodiment, the elastomeric material includes rubber. Various rubber compounds may be used and, in some cases, different rubber compounds may be present in different areas of the track 22.

In other embodiments, the elastomeric material 38 may include another elastomer in addition to or instead of rubber (e.g., polyurethane elastomer).

In this embodiment, the carcass 36 comprises a plurality of reinforcements 42, 43 embedded in its elastomeric material 38. In this example, the reinforcement 42 is a layer of reinforcing cables that are adjacent to one another and that extend in the longitudinal direction of the track 22 to enhance strength in tension of the track 22 along its longitudinal direction. In some cases, a reinforcing cable may be a cord or wire rope including a plurality of strands or wires. In other cases, a reinforcing cable may be another type of cable and may be made of any material suitably flexible longitudinally (e.g., fibers or wires of metal, plastic or composite material). The reinforcement 43 is a layer of reinforcing fabric. Reinforcing fabric comprises pliable material made usually by weaving, felting, or knitting natural or synthetic fibers. For instance, a layer of reinforcing fabric may comprise a ply of reinforcing woven fibers (e.g., nylon fibers or other synthetic fibers). Various other types of reinforcements may be provided in the carcass 36 in other embodiments.

The inner side 45 of the endless track 22 comprises an inner surface 53 of the carcass 36 and a plurality of inner wheel-contacting projections 48 ₁-48 _(N) that project from the inner surface 53 and are positioned to contact at least some of the wheels 24, 26, 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ to do at least one of driving (i.e., imparting motion to) the track 22 and guiding the track 22. The wheel-contacting projections 48 ₁-48 _(N) can be referred to as “wheel-contacting lugs”. Furthermore, since each of them is used to do at least one of guiding the track 22 and driving the track 22, the wheel-contacting lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) can be referred to as “guide/drive projections” or “guide/drive lugs”. In some examples of implementation, a guide/drive lug 48; may interact with the drive wheel 24 to drive the track 22, in which case the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) is a drive lug. In other examples of implementation, a guide/drive lug 48 _(i) may interact with the idler wheel 26 and/or the roller wheels 28 ₁-28 ₈ to guide the track 22 to maintain proper track alignment and prevent de-tracking without being used to drive the track 22, in which case the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) is a guide lug. In yet other examples of implementation, a guide/drive lug 48 _(i) may both (i) interact with the drive wheel 24 to drive the track and (ii) interact with the idler wheel 26 and/or the roller wheels 28 ₁-28 ₈ to guide the track 22 to maintain proper track alignment and prevent de-tracking, in which case the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) is both a drive lug and a guide lug.

In this embodiment, the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) interact with the idler wheel 26 and the roller wheels 28 ₁-28 ₈ in order to guide the track 22 as it is driven by the drive wheel 24, but do not interact with the drive wheel 24 to drive the track 22. The guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) are thus guide lugs used only to guide the track 22 in this embodiment.

The guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the endless track 22. In this case, the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) are arranged in a single row. The guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) may be arranged in other manners in other embodiments (e.g., in a plurality of rows that are spaced apart along the widthwise direction of the track 22).

The guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) may have any suitable shape. Each guide/drive lug 48 _(i) has a periphery 69 which, in this embodiment, includes a front surface 80 ₁, a rear surface 80 ₂, two side surfaces 81 ₁, 81 ₂, and a top surface 86. The front surface 80 ₁ and the rear surface 80 ₂ are opposed to one another along the longitudinal direction of the track 22. The two side faces 81 ₁, 81 ₂ are laterally opposed and may contact the roller wheels 28 ₁-28 ₈, the drive wheel 24 and/or the idler wheel 26 such as to prevent excessive lateral movement of the track 22. In other embodiments where the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) is used to drive the track 22, each of the front surface 80 ₁ and the rear surface 80 ₂ may constitute a drive surface which can be contacted by a drive member of the drive wheel 24 that pushes against it to impart motion to the track 22. Although it has a certain shape in this embodiment, the periphery 69 of the drive/guide lug 48 _(i) may have various other shapes in other embodiments.

Each guide/drive lug 48; has a front-to-rear dimension L_(L) in the longitudinal direction of the endless track 22 and a side-to-side dimension L_(W) in the widthwise direction of the endless track 22. In some cases, the front-to-rear dimension L_(L) may be a width of the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) while the side-to-side dimension L_(W) may be a length of the guide/drive lug 48 _(i). In other cases, the front-to-rear dimension L_(L) may be a length of the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) while the side-to-side dimension L_(W) may be a width of the guide/drive lug 48 _(i). In yet other cases, the front-to-rear dimension L_(L) and the side-to-side dimension L_(W) may be substantially the same. The guide/drive lug 48 _(i) also has a height H.

Each guide/drive lug 48 _(i) is an elastomeric guide/drive lug in that it is at least mainly (i.e., mainly or entirely) made of elastomeric material 67. That is, the elastomeric material 67 is either a sole constituent of the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) or, if the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) has more than one constituent, a main constituent of the guide/drive lug 48 _(i). The elastomeric material 67 can include any polymeric material with suitable elasticity. More particularly, in this case, the elastomeric material 67 includes rubber. Various rubber compounds may be used and, in some cases, different rubber compounds may be present in different areas of each of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). In other cases, the elastomeric material 67 may include another elastomer in addition to or instead of rubber. In some examples of implementation, the elastomeric material 67 may be a main constituent of the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) which may also include one or more reinforcements embedded in the elastomeric material 67 (e.g., one or more layers of reinforcing fabric).

The ground-engaging outer side 47 comprises a ground-engaging outer surface 49 of the carcass 36 and a tread pattern 40 to enhance traction on the ground. The tread pattern 40 comprises a plurality of traction projections 61 ₁-61 _(M) (sometimes referred to as “traction lugs”, “tread members” or “tread bars”) that project from the ground-engaging outer surface 49, are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the endless track 22, and engage the ground to enhance traction. In this embodiment, each of the traction projections 61 ₁-61 _(M) has an elongated shape and is angled (i.e., defines an acute angle θ) relative to the longitudinal direction of the endless track 22. The traction projections 61 ₁-61 _(M) may have various other shapes in other examples (e.g., curved shapes, shapes with straight parts and curved parts, etc.).

In this case, each of the traction projections 61 ₁-61 _(M) is an elastomeric traction projection in that it is at least mainly made of elastomeric material 41. The elastomeric material 41 can include any polymeric material with suitable elasticity. More particularly, in this case, the elastomeric material 41 includes rubber. Various rubber compounds may be used and, in some cases, different rubber compounds may be present in different areas of each of the traction projections 61 ₁-61 _(M). In other embodiments, the elastomeric material 41 may include another elastomer in addition to or instead of rubber.

The endless track 22 may be constructed in various other manners in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the track 22 may comprise a plurality of elastomeric sections (e.g., rubber sections) interconnected to form the elastomeric belt-shaped body 36, the track 22 may have recesses or holes that interact with the drive wheel 24 in order to cause the track 22 to be driven, and/or the ground-engaging outer side 47 of the track 22 may comprise various patterns of traction projections.

The drive wheel 24 is rotatable about an axle for driving the track 22. Power generated by the prime mover 14 and delivered over the powertrain of the agricultural vehicle 10 can rotate the axle that rotates the drive wheel 24, which in turn imparts motion of the track 22.

In this embodiment, the drive wheel 24 is configured to frictionally engage the inner side 45 of the track 22 in order to frictionally drive the track 22 (i.e., the drive wheel 24 and the track 22 implement a “friction drive” system). In other embodiments, the drive wheel 24 may comprise a drive sprocket engaging the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) of the track 22 in order to drive the track 22 (i.e., the drive wheel 24 and the track 22 may implement a “positive drive” system). In other embodiments, the drive wheel 24 may be configured in various other ways. For example, in embodiments where the track 22 comprises recesses or holes, the drive wheel 24 may have teeth that enter these recesses or holes in order to drive the track 22.

The front idler wheel 26 and the roller wheels 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ are not driven by power supplied by the prime mover 14, but are rather used to do at least one of supporting part of the weight of the agricultural vehicle 10 on the ground via the track 22, guiding the track 22 as it is driven by the drive wheel 24, and tensioning the track 22.

More particularly, in this embodiment, the front idler wheel 26 maintains the track 22 in tension and may help to support part of the weight of the agricultural vehicle 10 on the ground via the track 22.

The roller wheels 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ roll on the inner side 45 of the track 22 along the bottom run 66 of the track 22 to apply the bottom run 66 on the ground. In this case, as they are located between frontmost and rearmost ones of the wheels of the track assembly 16 _(i), the roller wheels 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ will be referred to as “mid-rollers”. The mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ are mounted to the frame 21 of the track assembly 16 _(i).

In this embodiment, the inner side 45 of the track 22 comprises a plurality of rolling paths 33 ₁, 33 ₂ on which roll respective ones of the roller wheels 28 ₁-28 ₈, namely the rolling path 33 ₁ on which the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₄ roll and the rolling path 33 ₂ on which the mid-rollers 28 ₅-28 ₈ roll. The guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) are located between the rolling paths 33 ₁, 33 ₂ in the track assembly's widthwise direction. In this way, the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) pass in a space 73 between the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₄ and the mid-rollers 28 ₅-28 ₈ in order to guide the track 22.

The mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ roll on the top surfaces 86 of respective ones of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). This may allow a better load distribution on the endless track 22 since loading from the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ is distributed over a greater proportion of the track's width than if the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ were omitted but the track assembly 16 _(i) was otherwise identical. In some cases, this may help to reduce wear of the rolling paths 33 ₁, 33 ₂ and/or avoid internal damage within the track 22 (e.g., avoid rupturing cables in the layer of cables 42). This may also help to maintain an acceptable ground pressure even if a load-carrying capacity of the vehicle 10 (e.g., a total weight of the vehicle 10) is increased beyond what would be permitted if the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ were omitted but the track assembly 16 _(i) was otherwise identical.

More particularly, with the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ rolling on top of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N), the inner side 45 of the endless track 22 has a load-bearing area A_(load) that is greater than if the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ were omitted but the track assembly 16; was otherwise identical. The load-bearing area A_(load) of the inner side 45 of the track 22 is that surface area of the inner side 45 of the track 22 which is in contact with the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ and bears vertical loading from the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ when the track assembly 16 _(i) is on a horizontal flat ground surface. The load-bearing area A_(load) of the inner side 45 of the track 22 can be measured as a sum of those areas of contact between the track 22 and the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ which bear vertical loading from the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ when the track assembly 16; is on the horizontal flat ground surface. For example, in some embodiments, the load-bearing area A_(load) of the inner side 45 of the track 22 may be at least 10% greater than if the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ were omitted but the track assembly 16; was otherwise identical, in some cases at least 15% greater than if the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ were omitted but the track assembly 16 _(i) was otherwise identical, in some cases at least 20% greater than if the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ were omitted but the track assembly 16 _(i) was otherwise identical, and in some cases even more (e.g., at least 30% greater than if the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ were omitted but the track assembly 16 _(i) was otherwise identical). The load-bearing area A_(load) of the inner side 45 of the track 22 may have any other value in other embodiments.

The load-bearing area A_(load) of the inner side 45 of the track 22 may thus be significant in relation to a theoretical load-bearable area A*_(load) of the inner side 45 of the track 22. The theoretical load-bearable area A*_(load) of the inner side 45 of the track 22 is that theoretical surface area of the inner side 45 of the track 22 which would be capable of bearing vertical loading from mid-rollers such as the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ when the track assembly 16 _(i) would be on a horizontal flat ground surface if the inner side 45 of the track 22 was flat (i.e., the track 22 had no guide/drive lugs). The theoretical load-bearable area A*_(load) of the inner side 45 of the track 22 can be measured by multiplying a length and a width of that portion of the bottom run 66 of the track 22 in contact with the horizontal flat ground surface. For instance, in some embodiments, the load-bearing area A_(load) of the inner side 45 of the track 22 may be at least 70%, in some cases at least 75%, in some cases at least 80%, in some cases at least 85%, in some cases 90%, and in some cases even more (e.g., at least 95%) of the theoretical load-bearable area A*_(load) of the inner side 45 of the track 22.

Considering a transversal cross-section of the endless track 22, the inner side 45 of the endless track 22 has a load-bearing widthwise extent W_(load) that is greater than if the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ were omitted but the track assembly 16 _(i) was otherwise identical. The load-bearing widthwise extent W_(load) of the inner side 45 of the track 22 is that widthwise extent of the inner side 45 of the track 22 which is in contact with the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ and bears vertical loading from the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ when the track assembly 16 _(i) is on a horizontal flat ground surface. The load-bearing widthwise extent W_(load) of the inner side 45 of the track 22 can be measured as a sum of those widthwise lines of contact between the track 22 and the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ which bear vertical loading from the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ when the track assembly 16 _(i) is on the horizontal flat ground surface. For example, in some embodiments, the load-bearing widthwise extent W_(load) of the inner side 45 of the track 22 may be at least 10% greater than if the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ were omitted but the track assembly 16 _(i) was otherwise identical, in some cases at least 15% greater than if the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ were omitted but the track assembly 16 _(i) was otherwise identical, in some cases at least 20% greater than if the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ were omitted but the track assembly 16 _(i) was otherwise identical, and in some cases even more (e.g., at least 30% greater than if the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ were omitted but the track assembly 16 _(i) was otherwise identical). The load-bearing widthwise extent W_(load) of the inner side 45 of the track 22 may have any other value in other embodiments.

The load-bearing widthwise extent W_(load) of the inner side 45 of the track 22 may thus be significant in relation to the width of the track 22. For instance, in some embodiments, the load-bearing widthwise extent W_(load) of the inner side 45 of the track 22 may be at least 70%, in some cases at least 75%, in some cases at least 80%, in some cases at least 85%, in some cases at least 90%, and in some cases even more (e.g., at least 95%) of the width of the track 22.

The width of the endless track 22 can have any suitable value. For example, in some embodiments, the track 22 may be a “narrow” track such that its width is less than 24 inches. This may be useful, for instance, in embodiments in which the agricultural vehicle 10 is used on a relatively firm soil and/or for an application with spatial constraints (e.g., row cropping in narrow row spacings, strip-till, controlled traffic farming, etc.). For instance, in some examples of implementation, the width of the track 22 may be about 16 inches. The load-bearing area A_(load) of the inner side 45 of the track 22 increased by the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ can be useful in embodiments in which the track 22 is a narrow track since the rolling paths 33 ₁, 33 ₂ for the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈ are limited in their widthwise extent and thus impose limits on loading applicable by the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈. As another example, in some embodiments, the track 22 may be a “wide” track such that its width is at least 24 inches. This may be useful, for instance, in embodiments in which the agricultural vehicle 10 is used on a relatively soft or wet soil since the track 22 can provide increase floatation and/or for an application without spatial constraints.

A peak ground pressure P_(peak) of the endless track 22 on the ground may be lower than if the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ were omitted but the track assembly 16 _(i) was otherwise identical. The peak ground pressure P_(peak) of the track 22 on the ground is a highest pressure applied by the track 22 onto a horizontal flat ground surface when the track assembly 16 _(i) is on the horizontal flat ground surface. For example, in some embodiments, the peak ground pressure P_(peak) of the track 22 on the ground may be at least 10% lower than if the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ were omitted but the track assembly 16 _(i) was otherwise identical, in some cases at least 15% lower than if the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ were omitted but the track assembly 16 _(i) was otherwise identical, in some cases at least 20% lower than if the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ were omitted but the track assembly 16 _(i) was otherwise identical, and in some cases even less, and in some cases even less (e.g., at least 20% lower than if the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ were omitted but the track assembly 16 _(i) was otherwise identical). The peak ground pressure P_(peak) of the track 22 on the ground may have any other value in other embodiments.

A load-bearing capacity C_(track) of the track assembly 16 _(i) (i.e., a load born by the track assembly 16 _(i)) may be increased in light of the lower peak ground pressure P_(peak) of the endless track 22 on the ground (e.g., while still meeting requirements for homologation). For example, in some embodiments, a ratio C_(track)/P_(peak) of the load-bearing capacity C_(track) of the track assembly 16 _(i) over the peak ground pressure P_(peak) of the endless track 22 on the ground may be at least 13 kN/bar (where 1 bar=14.5 psi), in some cases at least 14 kN/bar, in some cases at least 15 kN/bar, and in some cases even more (e.g., at least 16 kN/bar). The ratio C_(track)/P_(peak) may have any other value in other embodiments.

The top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) form a rolling path 35 on which the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ can move. The rolling path 35 extends in the longitudinal direction of the track 22 such that, as the tracked vehicle 10 moves, the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ roll from the top surface 86 of one of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) to the top surface 86 of another one of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N).

In this example of implementation, the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) may be relatively long in the longitudinal direction of the endless track 22 to provide increased surface area for a longitudinal extent of the rolling path 35. For example, in this embodiment, the front-to-rear dimension L_(L) of each guide/drive lug 48 _(i) may be greater than the side-to-side dimension L_(W) of the guide/drive lug 48 _(i). For instance, in some embodiments, a ratio L_(L)/L_(W) of the front-to-rear dimension L_(L) of the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) over the side-to-side dimension L_(W) of the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) may be at least 1.25, in some cases at least 1.5, in some cases at least 1.75, and in some cases even more (e.g., 2 or more). The ratio L_(L)/L_(W) may have any other value in other embodiments.

In this embodiment, the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) are shaped such that the rolling path 35 is continuous over successive ones of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) for the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄. The rolling path 35 is “continuous” in that it prevents each mid-roller 29 _(i) from falling excessively or getting stuck in between consecutive ones of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) as it rolls on the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). For instance, the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) may be shaped such that a mid-roller 29 _(i) rolling on the top surface 86 of a given one of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) comes into contact with the top surface 86 of a succeeding one of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) before leaving the top surface 86 of the given one of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N).

More particularly, in this embodiment, there are gaps 31 ₁-31 _(M) between successive ones of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) which facilitate bending of the track 22 as it turns around the drive wheel 24 and the front idler wheel 26 and the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) are configured to minimize these gaps 31 ₁-31 _(M) to make the rolling path 35 continuous for the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄.

For example, in this embodiment, a longitudinal distance S_(L) between consecutive ones of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) may be sufficiently small relative to a diameter D_(W) of each mid-roller 29 _(i) to prevent the mid-roller 29 _(i) from falling excessively or getting stuck between these lugs. For instance, in some embodiments, a ratio S_(L)/D_(W) of the longitudinal distance S_(L) between consecutive ones of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) and the diameter D_(W) of the mid-roller 29 _(i) may be no more than 0.15, in some cases no more than 0.10, in some cases no more than 0.08, and in some cases even less.

Also, in this embodiment, the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) are shaped such that they mesh with one another to make the rolling path 35 continuous. To that end, each of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) comprises a meshing portion 60 and a meshing space 70 such that the meshing portion 60 of a given guide/drive lug 48 _(i) extends in the longitudinal direction of the track 22 towards the meshing space 70 of a successive guide/drive lug 48 _(j). The meshing portion 60 of each guide/drive lug 48 _(i) includes a convexity while the meshing space 70 of the drive/guide lug 48 _(i) includes a concavity. More particularly, in this example, the meshing portion 60 of each of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) forms a projection at one end of that guide/drive lug and the meshing space 70 of that guide/drive lug forms a recess at an opposite end of that guide/drive lug. In this case, each of the projection 60 and the recess 70 is generally V-shaped. The projection 60 and the recess 70 may have any other suitable shape in other cases. When the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ pass on a given guide/drive lug 48; and a succeeding guide/drive lug 48 _(j), the projection 60 of the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) extends into the recess 70 of the guide/drive lug 48 _(j) such that the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) and the guide/drive lug 48 _(j) at least reach, and in this case overlap, one another in the longitudinal direction of the track 22. The meshing portion 60 and the meshing space 70 of each of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) may be shaped in various other ways in other embodiments. For example, FIG. 7B shows an embodiment in which each of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) has an S-like shape that meshes with an adjacent one of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N).

In other embodiments, the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) may not mesh with one another but may still make the rolling path 35 continuous. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7C, the front surface 80 ₁ and the rear surface 80 ₂ of each of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) may extend transversally to the longitudinal direction of the track 22 so that they are slanted towards an adjacent one of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N).

While in this embodiment the gap 31 _(i) between a given guide/drive lug 48 _(i) and a succeeding guide/drive lug 48 _(i) exists when the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ pass on the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) and the guide/drive lug 48 _(i), in other embodiments, the guide/drive lugs 48 _(i), 48 _(i) may be configured such that, when the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ pass on them, the gap 31 _(i) is completely closed and no longer exists, i.e., the guide/drive lugs 48 _(i), 48 _(j) are contiguous to one another. In such embodiments, the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) can still bend as they pass around the drive wheel 24 and the idler wheel 26. For instance, in some cases, the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) may be “compressible” (e.g., hollow and/or at least partially made of soft material) such that they can bend easily around the drive wheel 24 and the idler wheel 26.

Each mid-roller 29 _(i) comprises a hub portion 55, a rim portion 56, and a radially-extending portion between the hub portion 55 and the rim portion 56. The hub portion 55 is an inner portion of the mid-roller 29 _(i) which is associated with a hub receiving an axle 58 defining an axis of rotation of the mid-roller 29 _(i). The rim portion 56 is an outer portion of the mid-roller 29 _(i) which contacts the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) and comprises a rolling surface 54 that rolls on the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N).

The mid-roller 29 _(i) may comprise any suitable material. In this embodiment, the mid-roller 29 _(i) comprises metallic material (e.g., steel). In this example, the mid-roller 29 _(i) is entirely made of metallic material.

Different parts of the mid-roller 29 _(i) may be made of different materials in other embodiments. For instance, in some embodiments, the rolling surface 54 of the mid-roller 29 _(i) may comprise nonmetallic material. For example, in some embodiments, a core of the mid-roller 29 _(i) may be made of metallic material while the rolling surface 54 may include polymeric material (e.g., elastomeric material) to enhance its interaction with the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). For instance, in some examples of implementation, the polymeric material may be rubber (e.g., to enhance friction) or polyurethane (e.g., to minimize mud buildup). The polymeric material and the metallic material may be held together in any suitable manner (e.g., by a polymer-metal adhesive, by overmolding, etc.).

An interface between the mid-roller 29 _(i) and a guide/drive lug 48 _(i) may have any suitable form. In this embodiment, the top surface 86 of the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) is substantially flat and the rolling surface 54 of the mid-roller 29 _(i) is substantially flat in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the mid-roller 29 _(i) such that the interface between the mid-roller 29 _(i) and the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) is substantially flat. This may help to maximize a widthwise load distribution on the guide/drive lug 48 _(i).

In this embodiment, the track assembly 16 _(i) comprises a suspension 74 for absorbing shocks, reducing vibrations, and/or improving ride quality and for controlling load distribution among the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈ rolling on the rolling paths 33 ₁, 33 ₂ of the inner surface 53 of the carcass 36 of the track 22 and the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ rolling on the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N).

More particularly, in this embodiment, the suspension 74 is configured such that each of the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ rolling on the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) is movable relative to at least one of the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈ rolling on the rolling paths 33 ₁, 33 ₂ of the inner surface 53 of the carcass 36 of the track 22 in the height direction of the track assembly 16 _(i). In this case, each of the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ is movable relative to all of the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈ in the height direction of the track assembly 16 _(i).

In this example of implementation, the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈ are mounted to a frame structure 72 ₁ of the frame 21 and the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ are mounted to a frame structure 72 ₂ of the frame 21. The frame structures 72 ₁, 72 ₂ are movable relative one another. More particularly, in this case, the frame structures 72 ₁, 72 ₂ are pivotable relative to one another about a pivot 68. Relative movement of the frame structures 72 ₁, 72 ₂ causes the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ to move relative to the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈. When the frame structure 72 ₂ pivots relative to the frame structure 72 ₁ about the pivot 68 in a clockwise direction, the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ are move upwardly relative to the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈. Conversely, when the frame structure 72 ₂ pivots relative to the frame structure 72 ₁ about the pivot 68 in a counterclockwise direction, the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ are move downwardly relative to the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈.

More particularly, in this example, the frame structure 72 ₂ comprises a support arm 97 and a roller carrier 98 which depends from the support arm 97 and carries the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄. The support arm 97 is pivotally coupled to the frame structure 72 ₁, which carries the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈, at the pivot 68. The roller carrier 98 is pivotally coupled to the support arm 97 at a pivot 96 such that it can pivot relative to the support arm 97. The axle 58 of each of the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ is rotatably mounted to the roller carrier 98.

The suspension 74 comprises a resilient device 75 mounted between the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ and the frame 21. In this case, the resilient device 75 is mounted between the frame structures 72 ₁, 72 ₂. The resilient device 75 is configured to change from a first configuration to a second configuration in response to a load and recover the first configuration in response to removal of the load to allow movement of the frame structures 72 ₁, 72 ₂ relative to one another in the height direction of the track assembly 16 _(i).

The resilient device 75 comprises a spring 71. More particularly, in this embodiment, the spring 71 is a fluid spring (i.e., a spring including a liquid or gas contained in a container such as a cylinder or a bellows and variably compressed by a piston or other structure), in this case a gas spring (e.g., an air spring). The spring 71 may be any other suitable type of spring in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the spring 71 may be a coil spring (e.g., a metallic or polymeric coil spring), an elastomeric spring (e.g., a rubber spring), a leaf spring, or any other elastic object that changes in configuration under load and recovers its initial configuration when the load is removed.

The spring 71 can help to absorb shocks, for example, when the track assembly 16 _(i) travels over rough terrain or engages an obstacle on the ground. The spring 71 may also reduce vibrations as the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ roll on the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) and across the gaps 31 ₁-31 _(M) between successive ones of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N).

When the spring 71 contracts, the frame structure 72 ₂ pivots relative to the frame structure 72 ₁ about the pivot 68 in a clockwise direction, thereby causing the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ to move upwardly relative to the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈. Conversely, when the spring 71 expands, the frame structure 72 ₂ pivots relative to the frame structure 72 ₁ about the pivot 68 in a counterclockwise direction, thereby causing the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ to move downwardly relative to the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈.

In this embodiment, the suspension 74 is controllable to adjust how loading is distributed among the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈ rolling on the rolling paths 33 ₁, 33 ₂ of the inner surface 53 of the carcass 36 of the track 22 and the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ rolling on the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). The suspension 74 may thus be controlled to adjust a ratio of load born by the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈ rolling on the rolling paths 33 ₁, 33 ₂ of the inner surface 53 of the carcass 36 and load born by the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ rolling on the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N)

For example, in some cases, the suspension 74 may be controlled to distribute loading evenly among the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈ and the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄. In such cases, the load born by the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈ rolling on the rolling paths 33 ₁, 33 ₂ of the inner surface 53 of the carcass 36 and the load born by the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ rolling on the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) would be substantially identical.

As another example, in some cases, the suspension 74 may be controlled to distribute loading evenly among the rolling paths 33 ₁, 33 ₂ of the inner surface 53 of the carcass 36 of the track 22 and the rolling path 35 formed by the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). Thus, in such cases, one-third of the loading would be applied on each of the rolling paths 33 ₁, 33 ₂ of the inner surface 53 of the carcass 36 of the track 22 and the rolling path 35 formed by the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N).

As yet another example, in some cases, the suspension 74 may be controlled to distribute loading such that more load is applied on a given one the rolling paths 33 ₁, 33 ₂ of the inner surface 53 of the carcass 36 of the track 22 and the rolling path 35 formed by the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) than on another one of these rolling paths 33 ₁, 33 ₂, 35. For instance, in some embodiments, when the vehicle 10 is travelling on a road or turning, the suspension 74 may distribute loading such that more load is applied on the rolling path 35 formed by the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N), which is in a central region of the track 22, than on each of the rolling paths 33 ₁, 33 ₂ of the inner surface 53 of the carcass 36 of the track 22. This may help to reduce an area of friction between the track 22 and the ground in those situations and may facilitate steering of the vehicle 10.

As shown in FIG. 9A, in this embodiment, the agricultural vehicle 10 comprises a suspension control system 79 for controlling operation of the suspension 74. The suspension control system 79 comprises a suspension controller 30 for controlling other of its components.

More particularly, in this embodiment, the resilient device 75 has a stiffness which is variable and the suspension control system 79 is operative to control the stiffness of the resilient device 75. In this example, the suspension control system 79 controls the stiffness of the spring 71. To that end, in this example in which the spring 71 is a gas spring, the suspension control system 79 is configured to cause a variation of pressure of a gas within the gas spring 71 which induces a variation of the stiffness of the gas spring 71. Increasing the pressure of the gas within the gas spring 71 increases the stiffness of the gas spring 71, while decreasing the pressure of the gas within the gas spring 71 decreases the stiffness of the gas spring 71.

With additional reference to FIG. 9B, in this embodiment, the suspension control system 79 comprises an accumulator 83 connected between the gas spring 71 and a pump 84. The accumulator 83, which is a type of hydro-pneumatic accumulator, comprises a gas chamber 94 containing gas (e.g., air or an inert gas such as nitrogen) that can be exchanged with the gas spring 71 and a hydraulic chamber 99 containing hydraulic fluid (e.g., oil) that can flow in a hydraulic line in fluid communication with the pump 84. A partition (e.g., an elastic diaphragm, a floating piston, etc.) separates the gas chamber 94 and the hydraulic chamber 99. The pump 84 may be used to vary a volume of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic chamber 99 of the accumulator 83, which in turns varies pressure of the gas in the gas chamber 94 of the accumulator 83, which dictates the pressure of the gas in the gas spring 71 and, therefore, the stiffness of the gas spring 71. A valve 76 may be controlled to allow the volume of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic chamber 99 to be varied via the pump 84. A hydraulic reservoir (not shown) may be connected to the pump 84 to vary the volume of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic chamber 99 of the accumulator 83.

The suspension controller 30 may be implemented in any suitable manner. For example, in this embodiment, the suspension controller 30 is an electronic controller that comprises suitable hardware and/or software (e.g., firmware) configured to implement its functionality. The suspension controller 30 comprises an interface 62, a processing portion 37, and a memory portion 39.

-   -   The interface 62 allows the suspension controller 30 to receive         inputs from and release outputs to other components of the         vehicle 10 to which the suspension controller 30 is connected         (i.e., directly or indirectly connected to), such as, for         instance, the prime mover 14, the user interface 46, and one or         more sensors (e.g., a sensor sensing a speed of the vehicle 10         on the ground; a sensor sensing a roughness of the ground; a         sensor sensing a load on the vehicle 10; etc.).     -   The processing portion 37 comprises one or more processors for         performing processing operations that implement functionality of         the suspension controller 30. A processor of the processing         portion 37 may be a general-purpose processor executing program         code stored in the memory portion 39. Alternatively, a processor         of the processing portion 37 may be a specific-purpose processor         comprising one or more preprogrammed hardware or firmware         elements (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits         (ASICs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories         (EEPROMs), etc.) or other related elements.     -   The memory portion 39 comprises one or more memories for storing         program code executed by the processing portion 37 and/or data         used during operation of the processing portion 37. A memory of         the memory portion 39 may be a semiconductor memory (e.g.,         read-only memory (ROM) and/or random-access memory (RAM)), a         magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, and/or any         other suitable type of memory.

The suspension controller 30 is operative to control other components of the suspension control system 79, such as the pump 84 and/or the valve 76, such that the suspension 74 operates as desired. In this embodiment, the suspension controller 30 thus controls other components of the suspension control system 79, such as the pump 84 and/or the valve 76, to regulate the stiffness of the gas spring 71. To that end, the suspension controller 30 may send signals to other components of the suspension control system 79, such as the pump 84 and/or the valve 76, to control their action.

In some embodiments, the suspension controller 30 may control the stiffness of the gas spring 71 autonomously (i.e., without user input). For example, the suspension controller 30 may control the stiffness of the gas spring 71 based on inputs received from one or more sensors (e.g., a sensor sensing a speed of the vehicle 10 on the ground; a sensor sensing a roughness of the ground; a sensor sensing a load on the vehicle 10; a sensor sensing a load on a mid-roller, etc.). The suspension controller 30 may implement a logic that determines what the stiffness of the gas spring 71 should be based on the received inputs and proceeds to send signals to other components of the suspension control system 79, such as the pump 84 and/or the valve 76, to control their action such that the desired stiffness is achieved.

For example, in some embodiments, a load born by the vehicle 10 may be sensed and communicated to the suspension controller 30 which controls the stiffness of the gas spring 17 as a function of the load born by the vehicle 10. For instance, in some cases, the suspension controller 30 may control the stiffness of the gas spring 71 such that, the greater is the load born by the vehicle 10, the greater is the stiffness of the gas spring 71, thereby using more the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ rolling on top of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). A sensor (e.g., a a scale and bascule element or any other suitable sensor) may be provided on a main axle of the vehicle 10 or at any other suitable location to sense the load born by the vehicle 10.

As another example, in some embodiments, a load born by a given one of the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ may be sensed and communicated to the suspension controller 30 which controls the stiffness of the gas spring 17 as a function of the load born by the given one of the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄. For instance, in some cases, the suspension controller 30 may control the stiffness of the gas spring 71 such that, the greater is the load born by the given one of the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄, the greater is the stiffness of the gas spring 71, thereby using more the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ rolling on top of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). A sensor (e.g., a strain gauge) may be provided on an axle of the given one of the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄ or at any other suitable location to sense the load born by the given one of the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈, 29 ₁-29 ₄.

Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the suspension controller 30 may control the stiffness of the gas spring 71 based on user input. For example, the suspension controller 30 may control the stiffness of the gas spring 71 based on user input provided by a user via the user interface 46 of the operator cabin 20 of the vehicle 10. The suspension controller 30 may enable the user to select a particular level of stiffness for the suspension 74 via the user interface 46. For instance, the user interface 46 may provide one or more buttons, switches or other control elements that the user can act upon to choose from different predetermined levels of stiffness for the suspension 74 (e.g., “high” or “low” stiffness) and/or specify a desired stiffness level (e.g., increase or decrease the stiffness to a desired level). The suspension controller 30 may implement a logic that determines what the stiffness of the gas spring 71 should be based on the received user input and proceeds to send signals to other components of the suspension control system 79, such as the pump 84 and/or the valve 76, to control their action such that the desired stiffness is achieved. In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the user interface 46 of the operator cabin 20, the vehicle 10 may comprise another user interface (e.g., a control panel proximate to the track assembly 16 _(i)) that can be used by the user to select a particular level of stiffness for the suspension 74.

The suspension controller 30 may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, the suspension controller 30 may be a purely mechanical controller (e.g., a lever manually operable to control the pump 84 or the valve 76) or an electromechanical controller (e.g., a push-button manually operable to activate a solenoid or other mechanism controlling the pump 84 or the valve 76).

Instead of or in addition to controlling operation of the suspension 74 by controlling the stiffness of the spring 71 as discussed above, in some embodiments, the suspension control system 79 and its suspension controller 30 may control operation of the suspension 74 by controlling a baseline position of each of the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ rolling on top of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) relative to the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈ rolling on the rolling paths 33 ₁, 33 ₂ of the carcass 36 of the track 22 in the height direction of the track assembly 16 _(i). For instance, in some examples of implementation, the suspension control system 79 may be configured to lower the baseline position of each of the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ rolling on top of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 ₈ when it is desired to have the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ rolling on top of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 ₈ bear more of the load on the track assembly 16 _(i), and to raise the baseline position of each of the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ rolling on top of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 ₈ when it is desired to have the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ rolling on top of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 ₈ bear less of the load on the track assembly 16 _(i). The baseline position of each of the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ rolling on top of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 ₈ may be adjusted by controlling the spring 71.

The track assembly 16 _(i) may be configured in various other ways in other embodiments.

For instance, while in embodiments considered above there are four mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ rolling on the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 ₈, there may be any suitable number of mid-rollers rolling on the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 ₈ in other embodiments. Similarly, in other embodiments, the track assembly 16 _(i) may comprise any suitable number of mid-rollers which roll on the inner surface 53 of the carcass 36 of the track 22 such as the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈.

While in embodiments considered above the interface between a mid-roller 29 _(i) and a guide/drive lug 48 _(i) is substantially flat, in other embodiments, the interface between the mid-roller 29 _(i) and the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) may be uneven. For instance, in some cases, this may facilitate alignment of the mid-roller 29 _(i) on the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) as it rolls on the top surface 86 of the guide/drive lug 48 _(i). For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, a portion 50 of a given one of (i) the rolling surface 54 of the mid-roller 29 _(i) and (ii) the top surface 86 of the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) may extend into a recess 51 of the other one of (i) the rolling surface 54 of mid-roller 29 _(i) and (ii) the top surface 86 of the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) to facilitate alignment. In this embodiment, the portion 50 is a portion of the rolling surface 54 of the mid-roller 29 _(i) and the recess 51 is part of the top surface 86 of the guide/drive lug 48 _(i). Here, the portion 50 of the rolling surface 54 of the mid-roller 29 _(i) corresponds to an entirety of a width of the rolling surface 54. In other cases, the portion 50 of the rolling surface 54 of the mid-roller 29 _(i) may correspond to less than the width of the rolling surface 54 (e.g., the portion 50 may constitute a rib, flange or other projection of the mid-roller 29 _(i) projecting towards and into the recess 51 of the guide/drive lug 48 _(i)). In other embodiments, the portion 50 may be a portion of the top surface 86 of the guide/drive lug 48 _(i) that extends into the recess 51 which is formed by the rolling surface 54 of the mid-roller 29 _(i).

Although in embodiments considered above the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ are separate from the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈, in other embodiments, a mid-roller 29; rolling on the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) may be integrated with one or more of the mid-rollers 28 ₁-28 ₈ that roll on the rolling paths 33 ₁, 33 ₂ of the inner side 45 of the track 22. Thus, (i) a mid-roller 29 _(i) rolling on the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) and (ii) a mid-roller 28 _(i) rolling on the rolling path 33 ₁ and/or a mid-roller 28 _(j) rolling on the rolling path 33 ₂ may constitute different roller wheel portions of a common roller wheel.

For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a mid-roller 29 _(i) rolling on the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N), a mid-roller 28 _(i) rolling on the rolling path 33 ₁, and a mid-roller 28 _(j) rolling on the rolling path 33 ₂ may constitute different roller wheel portions 82 ₁-82 ₃ of a common roller wheel 83 having an axis of rotation 102. The roller wheel portions 82 ₁, 82 ₂ comprise lateral rolling surfaces 84 ₁, 84 ₂ of the common roller wheel 83 that roll on the rolling paths 33 ₁, 33 ₂ of the inner side 45 of the track 22, while the roller wheel portion 82 ₃ comprises a central rolling surface 85 that rolls on the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). In this embodiment, the central rolling surface 85 of the roller wheel portion 82 ₃ is rotatable relative to a core 104 of the roller wheel portion 82 ₃ such that a tangential velocity of the central rolling surface 85 can match a velocity of the top surface 86 of each guide/drive lugs 48 _(i). For instance, in this case, the central rolling surface 85 is an outer surface of a sleeve or bearing 106 rotatable around the core 104 of the roller wheel portion 82 ₃.

As another example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13, a mid-roller 29 _(i) rolling on a first lateral area 87 ₁ of the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) and a mid-roller 28 _(i) rolling on the rolling path 33 ₁ may constitute different roller wheel portions 88 ₁, 88 ₂ of a common roller wheel 89 having an axis of rotation 110 and a mid-roller 29 _(j) rolling on a second lateral area 87 ₂ of the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) and a mid-roller 28 _(j) rolling on the rolling path 33 ₂ may constitute different roller wheel portions 90 ₁, 90 ₂ of a common roller wheel 91 having an axis of rotation 112. The roller wheel portion 88 ₁ comprises a lateral rolling surface 92 of the common roller wheel 89 that rolls on the rolling path 33 ₁ of the inner side 45 of the track 22 and the roller wheel portion 88 ₂ comprises a central rolling surface 93 that rolls on the first lateral area 87 ₁ of the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). The roller wheel portion 90 ₁ comprises a lateral rolling surface 94 of the common roller wheel 91 that rolls on the rolling path 33 ₂ of the inner side 45 of the track 22 and the roller wheel portion 90 ₂ comprises a central rolling surface 95 that rolls on the second lateral area 87 ₂ of the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). In this example, the roller wheel portions 88 ₂, 90 ₂ form flanges that projects inwardly from the roller wheel portions 88 ₁, 90 ₁ towards the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). In this embodiment, the central rolling surface 93 of the roller wheel portion 88 ₂ is rotatable relative to a core of the roller wheel portion 88 ₂ such that a tangential velocity of the central rolling surface 93 can match a velocity of the top surface 86 of each guide/drive lugs 48 _(i). For instance, in this case, the central rolling surface 93 is an outer surface of a sleeve or bearing 108 rotatable around the core of the roller wheel portion 88 ₂. The roller wheel portion 90 ₂ is constructed in a similar manner.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15, to reduce vibrations and/or improve ride quality, the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ rolling on top of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) may be positioned relative to one another to avoid all of them simultaneously reaching respective ones of the gaps 31 ₁-31 _(M) between successive ones of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). This may thus prevent all the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ from dropping in the gaps 31 ₁-31 _(M) between successive ones of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) at the same time. For example, the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ are positioned relative to one another such that, when a given one of the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ reaches a particular one of the gaps 31 ₁-31 _(M), another one of the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ (in this case, every other one of the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄) is not reaching any one of the gaps 31 ₁-31 _(M). For instance, in some embodiments, a spacing D_(r) of adjacent ones of the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ may not correspond to a multiple of a pitch D_(l) of adjacent ones of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). As indicated in FIG. 15, this can be achieved by selecting the spacing D_(r) of adjacent ones of the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ and the pitch D_(l) of adjacent ones of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). In some cases, the spacing D_(r-1) of two adjacent mid-rollers 29 _(i), 29 _(j) may be different from the spacing D_(r-2) of two other adjacent mid-rollers 29 _(j), 29 _(k) and/or the pitch D_(l-1) of two adjacent guide/drive lugs 48 _(i), 48 _(j) may be different from the pitch D_(l-2) of two other adjacent guide/drive lugs 48 _(j), 48 _(k).

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16, in addition to rolling on the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N), a mid-roller 29; may be a sprocket comprising teeth 44 ₁-44 _(T) that mesh in the gaps 31 ₁-31 _(M) between successive ones of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) as the rolling surface 54 of the mid-roller 29; rolls on the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). For instance, this may be useful in embodiments in which the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) are drive lugs for driving the track 22 (i.e., a positive drive system). A pitch of the teeth 44 ₁-44 _(T) of the mid-roller 29 _(i) may be selected based on a pitch of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) to ensure a proper meshing engagement.

The tread pattern 40 of the ground-engaging outer side 47 of the endless track 22 may be designed taking into account presence of the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ rolling on the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 17, respective ones of the traction projections 61 ₁-61 _(M) overlap with the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) in the widthwise direction of the track 22 to transfer forces applied by the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄ to the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) onto the ground. This may enhance ride quality, comfort, and load distribution on the ground. This may also help to reduce wear of the traction projections 61 ₁-61 _(M) in view of the increased contact area with the ground. In this embodiment, the respective ones of the traction projections 61 ₁-61 _(M) that overlap with the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) in the widthwise direction of the track 22 extend over a centerline 64 of the track 22 which bisects the track's width. In this case, the respective ones of the traction projections 61 ₁-61 _(M) that overlap with the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) in the widthwise direction of the track 22 are central traction projections which are separated from lateral ones of the traction projections 61 ₁-61 _(M). In other cases, as shown in FIG. 18, the respective ones of the traction projections 61 ₁-61 _(M) that overlap with the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) in the widthwise direction of the track 22 may include a central portion 102 contiguous with one or more lateral portions 104.

Although in embodiments considered above the load distributor 11 of the track assembly 16 _(i) which provides enhanced load distribution on the endless track 22 comprises the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄, in other embodiments, the load distributor 11 may be configured in various other ways. For example, in some embodiments, the load distributor 11 may comprise a slider for being in sliding contact with the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N) to apply loading on the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). The slider may comprises an elongated structure (e.g., a bar, beam or rail) that spans respective ones of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). The slider may have a low-friction surface (e.g., comprising polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or another fluoropolymer, or any other suitable low-friction material) in sliding contact with the top surfaces 86 of the guide/drive lugs 48 ₁-48 _(N). The slider may be coupled to the suspension 74 and the suspension control system 79 as discussed above in relation to the mid-rollers 29 ₁-29 ₄.

The track assembly 16 _(i) may have a different overall configuration in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the track assembly 16; may have a generally triangular configuration in which the drive wheel 24 is much larger than the idler wheel 26.

While in the embodiments considered above the off-road vehicle 10 is an agricultural vehicle, in other embodiments, the vehicle 10 may be another type of work vehicle such as a construction vehicle (e.g., a loader, a bulldozer, an excavator, an asphalt paver, etc.) for performing construction work, a forestry vehicle (e.g., a feller-buncher, a tree chipper, a knuckleboom loader, etc.) for performing forestry work, or a military vehicle (e.g., a combat engineering vehicle (CEV), etc.) for performing military work, or may be any other type of vehicle operable off paved roads. Although operable off paved roads, the vehicle 10 may also be operable on paved roads in some cases. Also, while in the embodiments considered above the off-road vehicle 10 is driven by a human operator in the vehicle 10, in other embodiments, the vehicle 10 may be an unmanned ground vehicle (e.g., a teleoperated or autonomous unmanned ground vehicle).

Any feature of any embodiment discussed herein may be combined with any feature of any other embodiment discussed herein in some examples of implementation. Although various embodiments and examples have been presented, this was for the purpose of describing, but not limiting, the invention. Various modifications and enhancements will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and are within the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. 

1. A track assembly for traction of an off-road vehicle, the track assembly comprising a set of wheels and an endless track disposed around the set of wheels, the endless track comprising elastomeric material to flex around the set of wheels, the endless track comprising: i. an inner side facing the set of wheels, the inner side comprising a plurality of drive/guide lugs projecting inwardly; and ii. a ground-engaging outer side for engaging the ground, the ground-engaging outer side comprising a plurality of traction lugs projecting outwardly; wherein the set of wheels comprises: a drive wheel for imparting motion to the endless track; a first plurality of roller wheels for rolling on a first rolling path of the inner side and a second plurality of roller wheels for rolling on a second rolling path of the inner side, the drive/guide lugs being located between the first rolling path and the second rolling path; and a third plurality of roller wheels for rolling on top of the drive/guide lugs. 